What Yarn Count (Nm) Means and How Yarn Thickness Is Determined

When talking about yarns, one of the most common questions is:
“How thick is this yarn?”

In the textile world, however, thickness is not measured the same way as a rope or an electric wire.
Instead, a system called yarn count is used, and one of the most common in Europe is Nm.

Let’s explain what it is, how it works, and why a higher number actually means a thinner yarn.

What Is Yarn Count?

The yarn count is a numerical value used to indirectly measure yarn thickness by relating length to weight.

In simple terms:

• yarn thickness is not measured by diameter

• but by how much length is contained in a given weight

This method is far more accurate, especially for fine fibers such as wool, cashmere, silk, or cotton.

What Does Nm Mean?

Nm stands for Metric Number.

👉 It indicates how many meters of yarn weigh 1 gram.

Practical examples

• Nm 1 → 1 meter weighs 1 gram

• Nm 2 → 2 meters weigh 1 gram

• Nm 10 → 10 meters weigh 1 gram

• Nm 28 → 28 meters weigh 1 gram

🔑 The higher the Nm number, the finer the yarn.
🔑 The lower the Nm number, the thicker the yarn.

Why Isn’t Yarn Thickness Measured with a Ruler?

Because:

• yarns are never perfectly cylindrical

• softness, twist, and fiber type affect visual perception

• two yarns may look similar but behave very differently

The Nm system allows you to:

• objectively compare different yarns

• predict fabric weight and yield

• choose the right needles or knitting machines

What Do Nm 2/28, Nm 2/15, etc. Mean?

This notation includes another important detail.

Nm 2/28 means:

• 28 Nm = count of the single yarn

• 2 plies = two strands twisted together

👉 The final yarn is thicker than a single 28, but stronger and more even.

• Nm 2/28 → very fine yarn (gauge 12–14)

• Nm 2/15 → medium yarn (gauge 7–8)

• Nm 2/7 → thick yarn (gauge 5–6)

Imagine roads:

• a small country road → thick yarn (low Nm)

• a main road → medium yarn

• a very narrow highway → very fine yarn (high Nm)

Now imagine weighing 1 gram of road:

• you travel a short distance on the country road

• you travel a very long distance on the narrow highway

👉 This is exactly how Nm works.

Why Yarn Count Matters

Knowing the yarn count helps you:

• choose the right needles or machine gauge

• calculate accurate consumption

• avoid production mistakes

• understand whether a yarn is suitable for:

  • scarves

  • fine knitwear

  • heavy winter garments

  • lightweight or compact fabrics

Nm is not a mysterious code, but a smart and precise way to describe yarn fineness.

👉 Higher number = finer yarn
👉 Lower number = thicker yarn

Once this concept is clear, reading yarn technical sheets becomes easy—even for non-professionals.